Jeffrey Horowitz (Theatre for a New Audience)
Overview
Jeffrey Horowitz is the founder and Artistic Director of Theatre for a New Audience (TFANA), a prominent non-profit classical theatre company based in New York City. Dedicated to producing Shakespearean plays alongside pioneering new and contemporary works, Horowitz's organization has become a pillar of New York's theatrical landscape. Under his leadership, TFANA has garnered numerous accolades for its diverse and critically acclaimed productions. Horowitz, who trained as an actor, has been instrumental in bringing both classic and modern plays to new audiences, while promoting educational and outreach programs across schools in New York City.
Recent Developments
Jeffrey Horowitz is set to retire on August 31, 2025, following an illustrious 45-year career with Theatre for a New Audience.
- 2024: Horowitz announced his retirement at the end of TFANA’s 2024-25 season, marking the end of a significant era at the organization. The season includes a diverse lineup of plays by Ethan Lipton, Wole Soyinka, and Taylor Mac, coupled with Shakespeare's Henry IV, further underscoring his commitment to both classical and contemporary theater.
- 2023: TFANA's efforts in fostering educational programs were recognized, notably their extensive work in integrating Shakespeare into New York City public schools. The organization reached a milestone of engaging 140,000 students through these initiatives.
- 2022: The organization successfully hosted its first-edition Shakespeare Exchange program with the Royal Lyceum Theatre in Edinburgh.
- 2021: Broadway hosted the successful revival of Adrienne Kennedy's "Ohio State Murders", first premiered by TFANA, showcasing Horowitz's longstanding impact on contemporary theater.
Personal Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jeffrey Horowitz |
| Born | 1949, New York City, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Theatre Director, Founder of TFANA |
| Known For | Founder of Theatre for a New Audience, innovative Shakespeare productions |
| Education | London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) |
Early Life and Education
Horowitz grew up in New York City and was initially drawn to the performing arts. He pursued formal acting training at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA), where he honed his skills in classical theater. His experiences in England, particularly with the Royal Shakespeare Company, deeply influenced his theatrical vision. Returning to New York, Horowitz ventured into acting on several Off-Broadway stages before deciding to channel his passion into founding a theater company that would celebrate linguistic rigor and classical works, informed by his training and experiences abroad.
Career and Notable Achievements
- 1979: Established Theatre for a New Audience with the vision of delivering classic and contemporary works, framed through a modern lens.
- 2013: Inaugurated the Polonsky Shakespeare Center in Brooklyn, the first classical theatre built in New York since 1965.
- Developed TFANA into a renowned institution featuring works from Shakespeare, and classic writers like Marlowe and Ibsen, alongside new works by modern dramatists.
- 2019: Awarded an Obie Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing his contributions to the theatrical world.
Current Work and Impact
Currently, TFANA continues to thrive under Horowitz's dedication to producing high-quality theater that challenges and educates audiences. His influence is felt in the robust cultural programming and educational outreach that TFANA championed. As he prepares to retire, Horowitz's legacy is already etched into the fabric of New York's theater community, and he actively supports the transition to new leadership to ensure the future success of TFANA.
Conclusion
Jeffrey Horowitz stands as a pivotal figure in contemporary theater, celebrated for his commitment to classical and modern storytelling. Under his stewardship, Theatre for a New Audience has evolved into a prestigious institution known for its daring productions and educational outreach. As he transitions towards retirement, Horowitz's work leaves an enduring impact on New York’s cultural landscape, setting a benchmark for future artistic endeavors, and paving the way for continued innovation in theatrical arts.